Saturday, July 20, 2013

I grab my jacket to protect against the chill of the evening and walk back to the trail head and over the bridge. I climb the hill to reach the vantage point overlooking the ocean. I had passed through here about an hour ago while on a run with the class from my gym. I had noticed the seals and resolved to come back and take a photograph if they were still here. And they are. I don't ever remember seeing this many seals gathered together on the beach before. I am astonished by the variety of colors . . . brown and white; grey and dappled. There are small baby seals mixed among mature ones I assume to be their mothers. My eyes begin to catch movement among the herd. One seal rolls over and waves a flipper; another moves across the sand, scooting along on its belly, its body rising and falling like the sea swell in the distance. I hear the dull roar of the ocean and feel the sharp breeze against my legs. One seal raises her head and seems to look directly at me, her brown eyes round and liquid.I breathe deeply and look around in wonder. Although the sky is grey, the ocean is a beautiful array of blues and greens.I take a picture and post it to instagram:seals on the beach#fitzgeraldmarinereserve#ilovethecoast********************************************************************************This simple moment is inspired by Alexa at Trimming the Sails. To read other Simple Moments from July, click here.

So glad you went back - and wonderful to see so many seals together, though we have a largish colony of them here - and I do go to the Sound to "seal watch" I have never seen so many together. A lovely moment and fabulous photo. J x

Sorry to be late arriving, Rinda, and what a magical moment ... I have only ever seen a seal in the wild once - what a very special gathering you witnessed so eloquently and captured so vividly. I do envy you the proximity to the ocean :). Thank-you so much for enriching all our moments this month and for linking up - it is always a joy to pop in here.

Maria "Rinda" Ontiveros

Artist & Blogger

2016 Summertime Scavenger Hunt

The List!

1. A "wild heart" - a naturally occurring heart (like the rock above, but it doesn't have to be a rock)2. A footprint or pawprint3. A skeleton, bone or x-ray4. A book or magazine read during 20165. A porch or deck6. A camper (caravan)7. A family gathering8. A drawing, art project, artistic photograph, scrapbook page, greeting card, or art journal page created by you.9. Someone playing with, in, or around water.10. A bicycle11. Fresh produce12. A window13. The moon14. A buffet of food15. A team logo16. A map showing a trip taken during the time period17. Twins18. A supermarket cart, basket or trolley full of groceries 19. A seasonal cocktail or beverage20. Someone laughing21. A photograph of you with a newspaper or calendar page from the time period covered in the Hunt. Note: you may not use a substitute for this item.Alternatives - if you're having trouble finding any of the above, you may substitute from this list (but you may not substitute for item #21):alternative 1: a lighthousealternative 2: a baby (human or animal)